Staying Hydrated

"Hydration is important because the body is comprised mostly of water, and the proper balance

between water and electrolytes in our bodies really determines how most of our systems

function, including nerves and muscles" says Larry Kenney, PhD, a professor of physiology and

kinesiology at Penn State.

Some of the biggest side effects of dehydration can be headaches, lack of energy, weight gain,

lack of cleansing and detoxification, a weakened immune response, getting colds and flus easily,

and feeling lethargic or even experiencing brain fog. Researchers have discovered that “mild

dehydration - as little as losing 1 % to 2% of body water - can impair cognitive performance” .

How much water to drink? – According to Dr. Axe, typically, you should be drinking between

25% to 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. But lots of water doesn’t necessarily

equal good hydration. The proper balance of electrolytes is needed to maintain hydration.

Fruits and vegetables are full of quality electrolytes, as is all-natural sea salt or Himalayan salt in

proper amounts. Too little salt intake, your body stops conserving as much water in its organs,

while too much salt can make you urinate more, both of which cause dehydration. Exercise, no

matter what kind, increases circulation and improves overall electrolyte levels too and actually

helps to get more nutrients into your cells.

However, when it comes to drinking water, it’s not about drinking a lot at one time, according

to board-certified rehabilitation specialist Scott Michael Schreiber. “Many Americans are

chronically dehydrated, which means they have been drinking less than optimal for a long

period of time. When this occurs, you need to slowly rehydrate, as your body has been in

survival mode, adjusted to not consuming enough water… You need to be drinking water all day

long, as opposed to only when you are thirsty. Your body will absorb more water over the

course of the day, rather than at one shot”.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/quest-for-hydration#1

https://draxe.com/nutrition/how-to-stay-hydrated/

https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-youre-still-dehydrated-after-drinking-lots-of-water-15727442